The automotive industry is on the verge of a significant change, as the transformation towards electric is in full swing. At present, the electrification of the automobile is enabled by growing support for charging infrastructure and enhancing battery technology. A lot of VCs and companies are investing in EVs and their R&D facilities, considering the potential of the market in the upcoming years.
State-of-the-art home worth £173M
In this regard, Rimac Automobili, a manufacturer of hypercar and electric vehicle components, has recently unveiled the design of its new state-of-the-art home in Croatia. The news comes around two weeks after announcing its R&D office in the UK.
Designed by famous Croatian architectural practice, 3LHD, the campus consists of an on-site test track, accommodation, and museum. The investment in Rimac Campus will exceed €200 million (approx £173 million).
It is worth noting that, 3LHD has been responsible for designing a series of striking Croatian and international projects, among them the Riva Waterfront in Split and Hotel LN Garden in Guangzhou, China.
R&D and production base
The new complex will be the company’s international R&D and production base. The site enables the company to ramp up from prototype and smaller volume projects to high-volume production of its high-performance electric drivetrain and battery systems for many global car companies.
As per the company, the new site is designed around the idea of providing the best possible working environment for an international workforce.
Further, it is located a couple of kilometers from Rimac’s current home and occupies a site of 200,000 m² while the built area will be 100,000m². It is expected to be completed by 2023.
Taken inspiration from Rimac’s flagship
According to the designer, the architects have taken design inspiration from multiple sources, including the curves and movement of Rimac’s imminent new flagship, the C_Two. Also, it is said to have urban ‘swamp’ and meadows, plus a rooftop garden.
Instead of the traditional hotel to accommodate both visitors and new employees, the company has signed off on a series of individual ‘pods’. In the long term, the new site will accommodate over 2,500 employees and substantial production facilities.
Rimac and the UK
Rimac Automobili’s R&D office is based in Warwick Enterprise Park and is planned to employ 30 people by the end of 2021, closely collaborating with both the UK automotive industry and Rimac’s Croatian headquarters.
Rimac Automobili already has close ties to the UK, with H.R. Owen as a part of the global partners’ network.
The company has already provided electrified technology to a number of British automotive brands such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as being a supplier to many of the world’s largest carmakers, including Hyundai, Porsche, Automobili Pininfarina, Koenigsegg, and others.
Having said that, Rimac, in the UK market will have a tough time, since there are other car companies fighting for a chunk of the market. We’ve compiled a list of companies that Rimac will be directly competing with its C_Two.
Alcraft
Alcraft Motor Company Ltd is focused on developing unique low-carbon vehicles and technologies.
The company has developed Alcraft GT, an electric two-door vehicle. The car has a carbon fibre construction, a four-seat layout, and 500 litres of boot space.
The GT’s powertrain was engineered by Delta Motorsport, a Silverstone-based company that unveiled an ultra-efficient micro-turbine range extender.
Lightning car
Lightning car company, a London-based automobile company has unveiled ‘Lightning GT,’ a battery-electric sports car. It has a carbon fibre body, has an impressive 495hp, and goes 0-60 in less than 4 seconds. Also, it has a range of over 500km on a single charge.
Lotus car
Based out of Norwich, Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of state-of-the-art, hand-built sports cars, and Formula 1 racing cars. The company has introduced Lotus Evija, a limited production electric sports car in 2019. However, the production of Evija is limited to 130 units.
Just like other cars, it also boasts a carbon fibre body and battery-electric powertrain. The Evija delivers almost 2000 horsepower, and the company claims this makes it the most powerful production car on the planet.
Morris Garage (MG)
Morris Garage, a British automotive marque founded by Cecil Kimber in the 1920s, has recently revealed the image of its electric concept car – MG Cyberster. The Cyberster – developed by the team at the MG Advanced Design Centre in London – is a two-door, two-seater sports car.
As per the company, The Cyberster’s intelligent all-electric architecture will enable an approximate EV range of 800km (500 miles) and deliver a 0-100km/h time (0-62mph) of less than three seconds.